Birds?

So, I've always thought birds were freaky. However, my roomy loves them so now we have 4. I wasn't sure how I was going to like it but one of them has really grown on me. His/Her name is Sidney. (It's not old enough to be able to tell if it is male or female) Sidney hangs out on my shoulder all day. I love it. I have a new friend to hang with at home. :)

Front Desk with Lexi

So this week I've been working the front desk with Lexi and it has been so much fun! Especially since we're both so sleep deprived and we're really silly when we're sleep deprived. We spend most of the day just laughing like a couple of idiots! I wouldn't trade it for nothing. I love it when you look forward to going to work.

The Oquirrh Mountain Temple

This week I went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house with Melissa and Steven. It was such a beautiful temple. We walked through like you always do, enjoying the beauty and then we headed off to a sealing room. As we sat in the sealing room listening to the couple talk about the importance of temple marriage I started to tear up. I looked around at this beautiful room and I was hit with the sudden realization of: "this is where I'm going to get married." I've always had my heart set on the Salt Lake Temple but as I sat there I knew that this temple was the one I was meant to get married in. It was a beautiful temple and I highly suggest that if you haven't gone to the open house yet you should before time runs out!

DOMINATION! (It feels so good!)

I was really nervous to start my math class this semester and expected to fall flat on my face. Well... not only am I doing well I'm dominating! I've totally got this and it has helped my self-esteem in ways I never imagined. It's a good thing too because I've got a lot of math ahead of me including an accounting class. So far, I'm feeling good about it though. Steven was right, I've got this.

My Birthday.

Well, there was good food, lots of family, fun, making money, and a few good friends. I have to admit that I was a little disappointed that so many of my friends bailed out. I try to understand that things happen, people get sick, and things like that, I only ask for people to come celebrate once a year with me, other than that I don't really ask for anything. I felt like I got a lot of lame excuses, a few lies, and I some people who said they were going to be there and then just flat out blew me off without any explanation. It hurt a little bit because some of them I have worked really hard to be there for and I don't demand a lot, I just wanted friends to celebrate my birthday with. I really learned who my true friends are. However, I was REALLY impressed with Heather. Heather lives clear down in Ephraim and drove all that way. Thanks hun, you really made me feel special.

On the actual day of my birthday we went to Wendover to play a little black jack. I did awesome! It was so much fun! I love it when I get on a winning streak. Of course, Steven made my day special. That's what he's good at so it was no surprise. I was so grateful for everything he did and I've been trying to show him that. I hope that he feels appreciated because he truly is. I gave myself the present of changing my info back to my maiden name and it feels so good. I really feel like myself again. I feel like I've reclaimed the best aspects of my pre-marriage personality. It's nice. Plus, I feel closer to my dad again. I don't understand how a name change can do that but it really does. Overall, it was a happy birthday. I am so grateful to the people who helped made that possible. Thank you all.

Just The Friend I Needed.

I believe that everything in our lives happen for a reason. Events, people, relationships, moves, employment... it's all connected. Today I was reminded of that. I needed some advice so I turned to a friend that I met at work, Janessa. Recently, I came back to the LDS church and because I became inactive when I was so young a lot of the principles, values, expectations, blessings, etc. are unfamiliar to me. Plus, I'm forgetful. Janessa is very strong in her faith and a very spiritual young woman, I think that's part of the reason I seek her advice. I told her my dilemma and her advice? "Fast and pray." What excellent advice! I hadn't even thought of that option! See, I met Janessa at the time I did for a reason and I'm so thankful to have her in my life!

Happy Birthday Steven!

Today is Steven's birthday! I just wanted to give a public shout out to a wonderful man! Happy Birthday Steven!

Such a Bad Influence...

I'm such a bad influence. I convinced Steven to get a tattoo for his birthday tomorrow! He was such a trooper about it too! He didn't whine or even wince. He's so tough! No lie! Check it out...

Ok ok, so the reason he didn't cry was because it was one of the temporary ones that you put on with warm water but still, he's living life on the edge now!

Time to Carve Pumpkins!

I decided to hang out with Michelle tonight and we carved pumpkins! It was way fun! Check it out!Michelle's Pumpkin

My Vampire Pumpkin

Last but not least, my drunk pumpkin!

Busy! Busy! Busy!

I had such a crazy busy weekend! Friday I started a new job. I was a little stressed but it's all good. Then I went to visit Cheri and Brandon. I don't get to see them enough these days. Then I spent the night with Michelle. It was good to spend some time with her.

Saturday I went to the afternoon session of conference with Heather. I was really glad we went and it was a fun new experience for me. Then I went to The Tavernacle with my dad, Aunt Linda, Uncle Jon, and Aunt Karen. It was my Aunt Karen's first time going and I think she had a lot of fun. I had a good time. They kept doing this really funny song called "Bartender." I really liked it.

Sunday I went clean crazy again! I cleaned out all my drawers and my closed so I need to make a trip to the D.I. today. It was my friend Wade's birthday. He's now 21. We hung out and played dice for a while. Then I went to hang out with my buddies Derek and Dustin. They're good guys. It was a busy weekend!

Warm Welcome Back

I had a pretty good weekend but the highlight was Sunday, we'll get to that soon.

Friday I hung out with Heather. We went to Cabela's and Jose Vera's. We were going to go see Kung Fu Panda but the movie theater was so packed that we couldn't even find a place to park! We gave up on it and rented movies instead. I love hanging out with Heather, she always makes me laugh and I really need that right now.

Saturday I got my oil changed. Yeah, that cost a pretty penny since I needed a new air filter and they tried to get me to get some little extra that would have doubled the cost. When dad heard that I had them replace the air filter he got pretty mad at me. He said he would have done that for the $3 it costs for the filter itself instead of the $20 they charged me. How was I supposed to know? Then I went to my grandma's and got a new microwave stand and a vacuum. I needed a vacuum bad! Then I went to Steven's soccer game and accidentally forgot Jennika's birthday party! I feel like such a jerk! Luckily, Michelle wasn't mad at me. I can't believe I'm such a DITZ!

Sunday I finally got my little butt back in church! It's seriously been like 2 months since I've gone. It was really nice because a couple of my friends were there ready to welcome me back. I seriously felt so loved! I got lots of hugs and "Where have you been?" and "We've missed you so much!" Yeah, I felt loved and that spiritual lift is exactly what I needed! In Sunday School Amanda and I were passing this note back and forth, you know, just catching up on my latest single misadventures and laughing. After class was over the guy behind us said, "I want to read the note." Without even thinking twice we just handed it to him! I still can't believe we did that. He came up to us after church and started talking to us. I think he was going to ask me out but I was too excited to see my friends to pay attention. Poor guy, I really didn't mean to be rude and blow him off but my girls are more important anyway! I told my friend Amanda that she needed to start texting me an hour before church so I'll actually get my butt out of bed and go. She told me that she's going to make me start going to choir with her. I say BRING IT ON! It's been a long time since I've been in choir and I welcome the opportunity to sing my little heart out again. Amanda came to pick me up for ward prayer Sunday night too, that was nice. I really enjoyed it and decided that I needed to make it part of my Sunday routine. The renewed spirituality is priceless and I'm so glad that I found it again!

Failed Attempt

So I wanted to go up the canyon last night to get some pictures of the pretty leaves. Well, for some reason I had a bad feeling about going up the canyon alone. Call me superstitious but I listen to those gut instincts so I was dragging my feet a little bit on going. I got a text message from Matt asking me what I was up to and asked him to come with me. YAY! I could go! We get up there and park at one of the turnouts and start taking pictures. Sadly, it was too late and I didn't get very many good pictures. We went up in the trees to get some pictures and when we came back down these people who were parked not too far from us asked us if the guy that went up into the trees after us bothered us. What? We didn't see no guy. They said that the guy saw us go up in the trees and went up after us. Right then I knew why I wasn't supposed to go up the canyon alone. THANK YOU MATT! So even though I didn't get the pictures I wanted, at least I got another shining example of why I need to trust my gut.

Where Did The Weekend Go?

This weekend was so full and went by so fast that's it's left me thinking, "Where did the weekend go?" Friday night I went to The Tavernacle. I love the place but I just didn't have as much fun as I usually do, my heart wasn't in it or something, I don't know.

Saturday Steven and I drove the loop and then went bowling with Heather and Phil. It was a lot of fun and we got some crazy, fun pictures.

Sunday I went hiking with my dad and Steven to Stewart's Falls. It was a lot of fun, we saw a snake and heard some elk. We told wild life stories along the way, it was a good time.

Magic Hands

I have a very good friend who has never had any training in massage but I'm telling you, the man has magic hands. It's funny too because he's a construction worker his hands are not soft but when he's giving a massage they might as well be velvet. Since I'm not too shabby at giving a good massage myself, we do exchanges. It works. Last night he had me so relaxed I totally fell asleep, I was out like a light. He had to wake me up so I could drive home. It was funny.

I love massage because I believe in using the power of touch to heal. Nothing helps my stress levels like a massage and it's not just working the muscles, it's the touch. It's knowing that someone is taking the time to make me feel good. Of course, I only let friends that I trust do this but I feel like it builds the bonds of friendship. People who are weird about touching other people make me a bit uncomfortable, friendships with them don't work out so well for me. I'm too much of a hugger!

Weekend

Friday night was my time.

Saturday I spent some time with my good friends Heather, Michelle, and Matt. It was a lot of fun to hang out with the three of them. We stayed up until 5am just talking and having a good time. Michelle spent the night at my place, we haven't done the whole sleep over thing in a REALLY long time.

Sunday was a crazy day, lots of people all around. Steven came over and we watched a movie, then I turned into this big weepy mess. I hate it when I do that. It's really annoying. I'm going to miss sleeping in but for now, I'm glad to be back to work.

The Tavernacle = Too Much Fun!

This weekend we went to The Tavernacle and had a blast! Seriously, who should be allowed to have that much fun? The crowd was awesome, everyone was singing and dancing, people were cutting loose and making us laugh so hard. These guys requested this weird rap song and the piano players made them get up and dance on the pianos since they requested the "stupid song." It was really funny.

Then they did "Baby Got Back" and I couldn't help myself, I stood up and danced. The next thing I knew the guy singing the song had come up to me and started dancing with me. It was a lot of fun and I was really bummed that we didn't have the camera ready. Those would have been some great pictures. Shortly after that it was his turn to go on break and he came over to talk to me. It made me feel so good that someone remembered me after a year! I seriously haven't been up there for over a year and he remembered who I was. I felt special and asked him if I could get a picture with him since he remembered who I was.

I had a really good time and I'm looking forward to going back again! Besides, Troy (pictured above), insisted that I come back soon. I guess I shouldn't disappoint!

Battle Creek Canyon

Last night was the singles ward hike and since this was my idea I was in charge. It took a lot longer than I wanted it to for people to stop goofing off and start hiking but they started to follow when I simply went without them. People complained a bit on the hike but once they made it to the waterfall they were happy they came. We got there pretty late and it was kind of cool to sit there under the waterfall with the sun setting on it and chat. The hike back was a little scary since it was dark but nobody got hurt so it's all good. I was really impressed with how many people showed up too. I thought people wouldn't want to come but we had a fairly large group. After it was all said and done a lot of people thanked me for organizing it and it was nice to get a little appreciation. This was my first hike of the summer! Horrible, I know! Now I'm so ready for more hiking. I think I'll have to hit Stewart's Falls next.

A Fun Weekend! Just What I Needed!

Friday night I had the great pleasure of hanging out with Cheri again. Her friend Brytina came over and we hit it off pretty quick. Then we went over to another one of her co-worker/friend's apartment's and hung out there. These were seriously some of the funniest people in the world! We went upstairs to watch these funny videos and all us girls just piled onto this guys bed. He was so excited to have 3 girls on his bed, I don't know why. It's not like we were all over each other or anything but if it makes him happy, it makes him happy. We left there at like 1am to take her friend back to her car so she could get up early to go to work. Then Cheri and I went for an early morning run to Wal-Mart. I love going to Wal-Mart when it's a ghost town! All in all, I didn't get to bed until 3:45am.

Saturday morning Steven came over to sleep in with me, I love it when he does that. I got a text message from Cheri telling me that her daughter was asking for me. It was so cute that I went over to visit her. Then Steven and I went to his soccer game. I usually don't watch his soccer games and just read on the side-lines but Saturday I was taking pictures so I actually paid attention to the game. I should have been doing this all along! It was really fun to watch. By the end of the game I was cheering for our guys and yelling at the refs with the rest of the team. Steven plays soccer with his dad, I think it's really cool that he has an activity he can do with his dad like that. There needs to be a little more of that in the world.

Saturday night we went to go see a play. The Hasty Heart and it was so good. We went because our friend from high school was in it and we wanted to go support him. The comic relief was something I really needed. Our friend did really well and I was very proud of him. Heck, Matt's just a good guy, that's all there is to it.

Sunday was a relaxing day. We sat around, watched movies, and just took it easy. It was nice.

Cheri Time

I went and spent some time with my good friend Cheri last night, it doesn't happen as often as we'd like it to but busy schedules are busy schedules. It was really good to see Cheri again. I never leave Cheri's house feeling tense or anxious, we really bring out the relaxed person in each other. I also LOVE being around a functional family, they're not many that I know of so time with one is great.

Her husband was out of town and he called to talk to his wife and daughter. Cheri put him on speaker and it was just so good to listen to all the love in the conversation. It's really fun for me to see what a good husband Brandon is, when we were in high school he was so hyper and mischievous that I always felt bad for his future wife. I thought trying to keep up with him and keep him out of trouble would be difficult for his future spouse but he's proved my theory to be wrong. He's a wonderful husband and a very loving father. Being around them gives me hope for my future.

Aysia is the sweetest little girl. She's two and she speaks with so much clarity. She sang me her ABC's and it was adorable. Cheri told me that she also sings "I am a Child of God." I thought Aysia would have forgotten who I was since I've been away for so long but when I walked in she got all excited to see me. When I told her that I missed her she said, "Miss you" and my heart just melted. She kept telling me she loved me as well. We went to the store and I was carrying her, she kept telling me that she picked her nose and tried to show it to me. It was so funny.

I really needed this time with Cheri since I've been so down lately. Hopefully we'll get to hang out again really soon.

Eathing Healthy, Loosing Weight, and Loving Every Minute of It!

So, as you read a little while ago I was asking advice on loosing weight. Well, I've been eating healthy, going to the gym, and taking my Metabolife just like I said I would and it's really paying off. This weekend I went to Ross and bought a new pair of pants. When I was able to get into a size 7 without fighting to get them over my thighs and hips I seriously started crying. Tears of joy right there in the dressing room, I'm not proud of it but it happened. I haven't been able to fit in anything lower than a size 9 for 4 years! You know, this wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be. When I'm tempted to eat something I know I shouldn't I just say to myself, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" and that usually puts me in check. Eating all this fruit has actually been really nice and I'm slowly getting used to eating vegetables, very slowly. The best part, I feel so much better, I don't get sick to my stomach anymore! What was once a bi-weekly occurrence hasn't happened since I went on this healthy-eating kick. I sleep like a baby now that I go to the gym, with all that extra energy gone I fall asleep and stay asleep. Seriously, even if I were to stop loosing weight now, I sincerely hope not but we'll see what happens, I would keep up with this diet and routine just for the way I feel. Thank you so much to all of my wonderful friends for your advice and support!